I fully support the principle of delivering health services to patients in the most appropriate setting. There is a growing interest in the "self care" agenda and it is acknowledged that pharmacists have a key role to play in the treatment of minor ailments. A recent example of extending the pharmacist role is pharmacist participation in the roll-out of the seasonal 'flu vaccination programme in 2011 and 2012.
Under the current legislation, the process whereby a medicine is switched from prescription only to pharmacist supply involves the manufacturer of the medicine making an application to the Irish Medicines Board, IMB. In making such an application, the manufacturer is required to submit appropriate scientific data to demonstrate that the medicine can be safely and correctly used by patients if available without prescription. A number of medicines have been switched from prescription control to pharmacist supply under this procedure in recent years. In addition, as part of the overall debate on switching of suitable medicines, the IMB has established a consultative panel on method of sale and supply of medicines. This Panel is representative of relevant stakeholders including my Department, the HSE, health care professionals and their regulatory bodies, patient representatives and industry representatives. The Panel is expected to conclude its work by the end of this year and its conclusions will be considered by the IMB in 2013.